DAY 3 8.6
We attended a family cremation ceremony here in the village of Mengwitani this morning. Cremation is a huge ceremony that lasts for 10 days in different locations. The one we saw , the Mamuker, was on the second day with rituals to purify the soul of the deceased person. Pak Catra, the father of our Balinese family, danced for this ceremony and invited us. We were lucky to see that the teeth filing ceremony , a rite of passage before marriage. Balinese people prepare as a community for many days before these ceremonies which are very elaborate and full of beautiful details. What amazed me is that after every ceremony, Balinese burn or throw away most of the offerings. even though the offerings require time and money, it is the process of making them that has sacred value. Also, dancers like Pak Catra who are very accomplished and well known, still perform for household ceremonies. Unlike western arts, which are mostly for the elite, in Bali can be priceless and for everyone.
girls dressed up waiting get their teeth filed
back of the head decoration
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pak catra dancing
girls waiting to get their teeth filed
pak dancing
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